Ryan thrilled to commit long-term future to Forest

Nottingham Forest midfielder Ryan Yates says his target was always to put pen to paper on a new deal with the club.

The 20-year-old has signed a three-year contract at The City Ground after impressing manager Aitor Karanka and says it has fulfilled his dream of securing his future on Trentside.

Speaking to iFollow Forest he said: “I’m absolutely delighted. I’ve been here since the age of eight so to commit my long-term future to the club is all I’ve ever dreamed of really.

“I’m aiming higher and the target is to play Championship football regularly. I’m surrounded by quality players in my position like Ben Watson and Liam Bridcutt so I’m trying to learn from them and improve my game all the time.

“The lads have been fantastic with me and it’s great to be back after spending a lot of time out on loan. The manager has been great so I just want to keep impressing day by day and see where that takes me.”

Yates enjoyed successful loan spells at Notts County and Scunthorpe United in the 2017-18 campaign and believes those positive experiences have given him a great platform to build on in the new season.

He said: “Playing games is what it’s all about. I felt like I progressed really well at Notts County and Scunthorpe last season and was learning all the time so I’m delighted to be back and I’m enjoying pre-season training.

“It was a challenge to step up to League One football at Scunthorpe and it took me some time to adapt but I took it in my stride and eventually I was able to get into the team on a regular basis and keep the shirt."